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Jeep's Electric Wagoneer S: Handsome EV Faces Tough Market
13 Jan
Summary
- Wagoneer S is Jeep's first electric vehicle designed for the American market.
- The EV boasts 500 hp, but cold weather impacted its estimated range.
- Despite its features, the Wagoneer S may struggle to stand out in a crowded segment.
Jeep has launched the Wagoneer S, its inaugural electric vehicle specifically designed for the American market. This midsize SUV enters a highly competitive segment, aiming to blend Jeep's signature Wagoneer styling with aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29. The vehicle utilizes Stellantis' dedicated EV platform, shared with other group models.
The Wagoneer S is equipped with a 100.5 kWh battery pack, officially rated for 294 miles of range by the EPA. However, real-world testing in freezing temperatures suggested that the estimated range might not align with expectations. Despite this, the charging experience via CCS1 was noted as a positive, with a 25-minute charge from 36% to 87% capacity.
While boasting 500 hp, the electric SUV's performance, particularly its one-pedal driving and throttle mapping, was described as jerky and abrupt, even in Eco mode. The ride is firm, and cabin noise is minimal, allowing audible hissing from the dash. Ultimately, the Wagoneer S faces the critical challenge of offering enough compelling features to distinguish itself in a saturated market.
